Raymond Emel

Raymond “Kent” Emel, 79, of Sullivan, passed away 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th, 2020, at Mason Point, Sullivan.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Military Rites following the service by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Monday at the funeral home. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan Senior Center, Moultrie County Illinois PAWs, Sullivan VFW or to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68.
Kent was born February 7, 1941 in Sullivan, the son of Bill Emel and Dorothy (Matheson) Craig. He served in the United States Air Force. Kent married Sharon Craig on September 26, 1964 in Sullivan; she survives. He attended the Oak Grove Baptist Church in rural Bethany. Kent was the owner of Ham’n Egg Restaurant and Sharon’s Family Restaurant. He also worked at Caterpillar for 31 years. He was well known for his fried catfish, poppy seed dressing and biscuits and gravy. He was a VFW Quartermaster. His favorite days were spent in his jon boat on the Tennessee River, in Kentucky, with a fishing pole in his hand. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, spending time with his family and visiting his daughter and her family in Arizona.
He was the man that could fix anything, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather and a true American Veteran. Kent had the deepest love and respect for his family and Country; and he will be missed more than words can say.
Kent is survived by his mother, Dorothy Craig of Sullivan; wife, Sharon Emel of Sullivan; daughter, Becky (Renie) Fawson of Kingman, AZ; brothers, Roger (Ann) Emel of Bethany, Ron (Linda) Emel of Bethany, Dick (Barb) Emel of Bethany, Bob Emel of Sullivan and J.R. (Catherine) Craig of Sullivan; sisters, Anne (Charlie) Tegarden of Kingman, AZ, and Cindy (Joe) Taber of Sullivan; grandchildren, Zane Fawson and Valen (Brennan) Cassidy of Kingman, AZ; great-grandchildren, Payton, Carter and Kentleigh Cassidy.
Kent was preceded in death by his father; special nephew, Chad Loy; and aunt, Pat Burcham.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com